Bearpark is an ex-colliery town that was badly affected by the miners strikes, and the ultimate demise of coal mining in England in the 1980's and 1990's. Gary grew up with little education in a time of severe austerity, and spent his childhood stealing food and coal to stay warm and fed. Over the years this escalated into a life of crime, and Gary was given two prison sentences for violent crimes against the person. In his second prison term Gary learned to read and write, and eventually began to realise his self worth.
Now, years later Gary has turned his life around and uses his respected and influential position in the community he grew up in to discourage young people from taking the path in life he chose.
Since the making of our short film in 2014 Gary has become joint founder of Positive Directions NE, and has this summer won a two year contract with HMP Durham. His company is tasked with motivating inmates to make use of the various training and educational programmes available to them. This is considered a good step towards positive rehabilitation.
Gary uses our film as a unique way to communicate his background with the inmates, and has at times received a standing ovation. Once the inmates realise Gary was once in their position, they begin to trust him. For many inmates Gary is the only person they've ever met who's been successful in turning their life around. Positive Directions NE believe our short film was instrumental in winning the contract with HMP Durham.
Since the original film, MadeGood has kept a strong relationship with Gary and the Bearpark boxing community, and are now about to embark on a more ambitious, feature length project.
20 окт 2024
